IN ACTION

Manager AssAults UMD EMployee, Administration NEglects Firm Action

AFSCME Local 1072 demands action from the University of Maryland's president, Dr. Wallace D. Loh, to investigate management practices and to terminate a violent manager that continues to intimidate workers with physical assaults while receiving minimum consequences.

WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Workplace violence is not just limited to physical assault, but can also include near misses,
verbal abuse, and sexual harassment. Even the fear of assault or witnessing an assault on a coworker
can have serious health affects on workers.

EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE

Aside from physical injuries, violent, abusive or threatening incidents in the workplace often
result in serious and disabling psychological damage. Victims of workplace violence also have
an increased risk of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disorder common among combat
veterans and victims of terrorism, crimes, rape and other violent incidents.
Psychological trauma is a common outcome of violent incidents, but one that has not received
nearly enough attention or study. Emotional problems resulting from violent incidents include
self doubt, depression, fear, post traumatic stress syndrome, loss of sleep, irritability, disturbed
relationships with family, friends and co-workers, decreased ability to function at work, and
increased absenteeism. Workers often blame themselves when they are injured in an assault, and
management often encourages this self-blame.
It is rare that these issues are dealt with effectively even in the short term. But there is increasing
evidence that victims and witnesses of violent incidents need long term treatment to fully
overcome these problems.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

If you are a victim of workplace violence or witness workplace violence, there are some things you can do to protect yourself and fellow co-workers :